The Chiefs are the form team in Super Rugby Pacific right now, but their title credentials will certainly be tested on Friday when they take on the Crusaders at One NZ Stadium.
The Crusaders have proven themselves to be a tough nut to crack on their own patch in Christchurch and the Chiefs, who are missing one of their star players this week due to injury, might well head back to Hamilton empty-handed.
Crusaders v Chiefs Tips Summary
Best Bet - Crusaders to win @ 20/21
Alternative Bet - Will Jordan anytime tryscorer @ 13/10
Bet Builder - Under 57.5 total points & Wallace Sititi anytime tryscorer @ 7/1
Crusaders v Chiefs Prediction
Best Bet: Crusaders to win @ 20/21
The Chiefs head to Christchurch on the back of a seven-game winning streak, but there are reasons to suggest that run will end on Friday.
Heading to Canterbury without Damian McKenzie, who has been ruled out after a nasty head knock last time out, the Chiefs will be missing their creative spark.
The Crusaders have won eight of their last nine Super Rugby Pacific matches in Christchurch and, having beaten the Chiefs in their last two meetings, including in last season's Grand Final, the hosts are backed to get the job done at One NZ Stadium this week.
Alternative Bet: Will Jordan anytime tryscorer @ 13/10
Scoring four tries for club and country this season, All Blacks utility back Will Jordan is tipped up in the anytime tryscorer market here.
With 49 tries in 73 appearances for the Crusaders, Jordan is desperately seeking that 50th-try landmark and he is capable of reaching it against the Chiefs.
With the ability to hit the line from full-back and with his excellent support lines, Jordan is good value at 13/10 to go over for the Crusaders here.
Crusaders v Chiefs Bet Builder Tip
Under 57.5 total points
Wallace Sititi anytime tryscorer
Pays 7/1
Going for under 57.5 total points would have landed in both of the last two meetings between these sides in Christchurch and is backed to come in again on Friday.
Meanwhile, Chiefs No.8 Wallace Sititi has scored four tries across his last four Super Rugby Pacific matches and the back-rower to bag another try in this one boosts this bet builder to attractive odds of 7/1.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
The Crusaders have won their last two matches against the Chiefs
The Chiefs are on a seven-game winning streak ahead of this trip to Christchurch
Crusaders have won all of their last four home games in Super Rugby Pacific
Crusaders have won nine of their last 12 home games against the Chiefs
Crus have won eight of their last nine Super Rugby Pacific matches in Christchurch
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
